Is WordPress really better than drag and drop content management systems?

• Would you recommend a WordPress website over "drag and drop" content management systems like Weebly, Wix, Squarespace, etc.?

  Put another way, do you see any SEO restrictions for current drag and drop CMS platforms that would be better served with self-hosted content management systems?

  And if self-hosted websites are better for SEO is there enough of an advantage using self-hosted websites over these other website builders?

Answer:

This is one of those "it depends". If you're looking to build a website on a $50 budget, we'll smile kindly and point you to Wix or Squarespace because they fit the budget and are reputed to be "easy to do yourself."

A few years later, when you tell us the problems you're having with the site's built in limits, we'll nod and recommend that you "build a real website." Accept the cost increase as being just part of hosting a real business online.

Serious business sites run WordPress, static HTML, or a more advanced platform such as Big Commerce, Shopify, Volusion, etc. — depending on what best fits the specific situation.

The problem with the bargain basement hosted sites is that you just can't do much with them. Forget about adding a plugin or custom Schema markup code. Customization on cut-rate CMS platforms is severely limited.

The bottom line is that low budget content management systems are best suited for people whose top priority is their low budget. There's a low ceiling on what you can do with them. And, in most cases, the site owners are typically oblivious or don't care about optimizing their site for Google or any other social media marketing. But, we're guessing, that's probably not you.

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